United Arab Emirates To Acquire Finnish Patria AMVs

BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC: A customer checks the Finnish Patria AMV 8x8 (Armoured Modular Vehicle) with Rafael 30mm gun, 04 May 2005 in Brno at the 8th International Defence and Security Technology Trade fair. IDET, is focusing on defence and security equipment takes place from 03 through 05 May 2005. The seventh year of its existence held last year proved IDET to be the second of the European defence technology trade fairs after the Parisian Eurosatory. The Czech Military Forces have been preparing the most extensive presentation in the IDET trade fair history for the 2005 event. AFP PHOTO MICHAL CIZEK (Photo credit should read MICHAL CIZEK/AFP/Getty Images)

The contract value and details have all been deemed classified, according to a statement by the Finnish manufacturer.

Patria has been delivering systems to the UAE since 2008, where the first batch of 8x8 AMV vehicles were acquired by the UAE armed forces. In 2009 the UAE naval forces acquired 12 new patrol boats and retrofitted another 12 boats in their fleet with the Patria Nemo Navy mortar system, Mika Kari, the president of the Patria Land Business Unit, told Defense News.

"This is a magnificent extension for the ongoing, successful cooperation between the UAE armed forces and Patria," he said. "UAE armed forces have been very satisfied with their existing AMV vehicles, as they meet all the customer's needs and are suitable for the needed, challenging circumstances. These vehicles will be produced by our Polish partner in a very tight time schedule. The agreement done now is very significant for Patria, and we are excited about this and looking forward to providing the vehicles".

The Patria AMV has participated in combat operations in Afghanistan and Chad, the company has stated. Patria have also been participating in the ongoing operations in Yemen.